Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

[pib] Press Council of India

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Press Council of India

Why in the News?

National Press Day is celebrated annually on November 16 to honour the critical role of a free and responsible press in society.
- It marks the start of the Press Council of India in 1966, established as a moral watchdog to uphold press standards and protect it from undue influence or threats.

About the Press Council of India (PCI):

	Details
Historical Background	• Constituted on July 4, 1966, as an autonomous, statutory, and quasi-judicial body. • Established to act as a moral watchdog over the press to ensure it operates with ethics and independence. • First Press Commission of India (1954) recommended forming a council to uphold professional standards in journalism. • Initially governed by the Press Council Act of 1965, later replaced by the Press Council Act of 1978.
Composition of PCI	• Comprises 28 members and a Chairperson. • Chairperson appointed by a committee that includes the Chief Justice of India, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and a representative of the President. • Member Representation: – 13 working journalists representing different news organizations. – 6 members from editors and newspaper owners. – 5 members from Parliament (3 from Lok Sabha, 2 from Rajya Sabha). – 1 nominee each from the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Bar Council of India (BCI), and Sahitya Akademi. • Term: Each member serves a 3-year term and can be re-elected.
Powers and Functions of PCI	• Quasi-Judicial Authority: PCI has statutory powers to hold inquiries into complaints against the press or journalists for professional misconduct. • Inquiry Powers: PCI can summon witnesses and call for documents if necessary. • Disciplinary Action: PCI has the authority to censure or admonish newspapers, editors, or journalists for violating professional ethics. • Recommendations: Although PCI cannot enforce laws or impose penalties, it can recommend actions to the relevant authorities in case of serious violations.Functions: • Upholding Press Freedom: Ensures that the press in India is free from undue influence and performs its duties with responsibility. • Protecting Journalists: Investigates complaints of harassment or threats against journalists and defends their rights. • Policy Advisory Role: Advises the government on policy issues that affect press freedom and media laws. • Studies and Reports: Conducts studies on media issues, such as election reporting, defense coverage, and journalist safety, to provide guidelines on responsible reporting.

PYQ:

[2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?

(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.
(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.

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Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

[pib] Centenary of Bose-Einstein Statistics

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Bose-Einstein Statistics

Why in the News?

The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Bose-Einstein Statistics at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences.

Bose-Einstein Statistics

Bose-Einstein statistics describe how certain particles called bosons (like photons and helium-4 atoms) behave, especially at low temperatures.
This concept was developed by Satyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein.
It explains the behavior of bosons, which are particles that can exist in the same state as others.
Unlike other particles, bosons can “share” a quantum state, meaning multiple bosons can exist in the same place with the same energy.
It is used to understand particles that don’t follow the Pauli Exclusion Principle (which states that two fermions, like electrons, cannot occupy the same state).

Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)

A BEC is a special state of matter formed when bosons are cooled down to almost absolute zero (-273°C). In this state, the particles behave as one single quantum entity.
Bosons, when cooled to near absolute zero, lose their individual properties and combine to form a single quantum state.
It was achieved in 1995 by Eric Cornell and Carl Wieman using rubidium atoms.
This discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics.
BECs exhibit unique quantum behaviors like zero viscosity (flow without friction) and act as a “super atom” that is extremely sensitive to any outside influence.

Significance of Bose-Einstein Statistics

Bose-Einstein statistics are essential for understanding quantum mechanics, particularly the behavior of particles in quantum states.
These statistics led to the discovery of Bose-Einstein Condensates, which have unique properties not seen in normal states of matter.
BECs are useful in atomic clocks, superconductors, and quantum computing due to their sensitivity and unique quantum properties.
Bose’s work was crucial in explaining light’s particle nature (photons), which helped develop the concept of wave-particle duality in quantum theory.
Bose-Einstein statistics paved the way for studying low-temperature physics, allowing scientists to observe quantum effects in larger systems.
These statistics and the discovery of BECs continue to inspire new fields of research, including quantum fluids and quantum phase transitions.

PYQ:

[2018] Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionised the field of Physics.

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Banking Sector Reforms

RBI released list of Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)

Why in the News?

The RBI designated SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2024.

Current D-SIBs in India:

As of 2024, the State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank are classified as D-SIBs.
SBI was classified as a D-SIB in 2015, ICICI Bank in 2016, and HDFC Bank in 2017.

What are Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)?

D-SIBs are banks that are critical to the stability of a country’s financial system.
They are often termed “Too Big To Fail” (TBTF) because their failure could lead to significant disruptions in the economy.
The RBI identifies D-SIBs annually.
The framework for recognizing these banks was issued in July 2014.
The RBI has been publishing an annual list of D-SIBs since 2015.

D-SIBs are placed in different buckets based on systemic importance scores. Higher bucket rankings require greater capital requirements to absorb losses.

SBI is in Bucket 4.
HDFC Bank is in Bucket 3.
ICICI Bank is in Bucket 1.

D-SIBs must maintain additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital based on their bucket.

SBI: 0.80% of Risk Weighted Assets (RWAs).
HDFC Bank: 0.40%
ICICI Bank: 0.20%

Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs):

On the global stage, G-SIBs are designated by the Financial Stability Board (FSB).
G-SIBs include large international banks such as JP Morgan Chase and HSBC.
Foreign banks in India that qualify as G-SIBs are required to hold additional CET1 capital in India, proportional to their global risk-weighted assets.

Benefits of D-SIB Classification

It ensures financial stability by requiring additional capital buffers for resilience during economic stress.
It increases public confidence through enhanced monitoring and regulation.
It receives improved supervisory attention, leading to better governance and controls.
It prepares D-SIBs for financial shocks with additional CET1 and stress-testing requirements.
It often benefits from higher credit ratings, lowering borrowing costs and improving access to capital.

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Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

ADB increases Climate Finance backed by US, Japan Pledge

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: ADB

Why in the News?

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will boost climate-related lending by up to $7.2 billion following an agreement by the United States and Japan to provide risk guarantees for some existing loans.

This marks the first-ever use of sovereign guarantees for climate finance.

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
About	ADB was founded in 1966 following the Conference on Asian Economic Cooperation organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East. Headquarters: Located in Manila, Philippines. Status: Official UN Observer.
Aims and Objectives	Reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific region. Provide Program Assistance that provides loans (hard/soft), technical assistance, and grants. Enhances effectiveness through policy dialogues, advisory services, and co-financing to mobilize additional financial resources.
Goals and Targets	ADB raises funds primarily through bond issues on global capital markets. The ADB has set a climate finance target of $100 billion from 2019 to 2030. The U.S. will guarantee $1 billion of existing ADB loans, while Japan will underwrite $600 million. Advantages of the Guarantee Structure: Expands ADB’s lending capacity. Lending space will be used over 5 years, while the guarantees will last for 25 years. Example: A sustainable aviation fuel initiative in Pakistan using cooking oil, with ADB covering about half of the $90 million cost.
Membership	Total Members: 67 countries, with 48 from Asia and the Pacific. Membership Eligibility: Includes members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and non-regional developed countries. Major Shareholders: Japan and the United States (Each hold 15.607% of shares), China ( 6.444%), India (6.331%), Australia (5.786%).

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Barak River

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Barak River

Why in the News?

Police found dead bodies floating in the Barak River (inflicted due to Manipur Violence).

About the Barak River:

	Details
Geographical Location	• Originates from Japvo mountain in Manipur hills at 3,015 m altitude. • Flows south, forming the border between Assam and Manipur up to Jirimat. • Flows for 524 km in India, and then enters Bangladesh as Surma and Kushiyara, later becoming Meghna River.• The river is navigable in parts, with National Waterway 6 (121 km).
Physical Features	• Length: 564 km in total, with 524 km in India. • Drainage area in India: 41,157 sq. km (1.38% of India’s total area). • Tributaries: Jiri, Dhaleswari, Singla, Longai, Sonai, and Katakhal.
Flora and Fauna/Important Sites	• Fauna: Home to over 2,000 species of fish and rare creatures like the Siamese crocodile, susu dolphin, smooth-coated otter, and black mugger crocodile. • Flora: Includes Varzea forest, Los llamjao, tidal forests (mangroves), Pats (flat-topped table mountains), and large tropical swamps. • Wetlands support farming and biodiversity. • Hydropower projects: Tipaimukh Dam, Tista Champamati, Dhansiri Barrages. • Affected by flooding and soil erosion, especially during monsoon.

PYQ:

[2014] Consider the following rivers:

1. Barak

2. Lohit

3. Subansiri

Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

[pib] Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Janjatiya Gaurav Divas; Birsa Munda

Why in the News?

Since 2021, November 15th is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor the contributions of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle.
- This day commemorates the birth anniversary of the legendary Sri Birsa Munda.

Who was Birsa Munda?

Born on November 15, 1875, in the Chotanagpur region (now Jharkhand), during a period of significant changes for the Munda community.
He spent his early years traveling with his parents; received primary education under Jaipal Nag.
He was influenced by the Sardari agitation, a peaceful movement against British rule, Birsa emerged as a leader advocating tribal rights.

Causes of the Rebellion:

British policies like the Permanent Settlement Act (1793) disrupted traditional land systems, leading to displacement and exploitation of tribal communities.
The Mundas’ khuntkatti land rights system was eroded by jagirdars and thikadars, resulting in land alienation.
Increased migration of non-tribals under British rule led to exploitation through high-interest money lending and forced labor.
Missionary-led education raised awareness among tribals, creating social divides but also sparking movements for tribal rights.

Historical Background:

Birsa started the Birsait faith to counter Christian missionary conversions among tribals. It became a challenge to British conversion efforts.
- Members of the Munda and Oraon communities joined the Birsait sect.
- The Mundas honored him as Dharati Aaba (Father of the Earth).
The Ulgulan Movement: Also known as the Munda Rebellion, led by Birsa Munda in 1899-1900.
- Concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada, and Bandgaon.
- The goal was to establish Munda Raj (self-rule) and independence, known as Ulgulan or the “Great Tumult.”
- The rebellion was ultimately suppressed by British forces, leading to Birsa Munda’s capture and death.

Birsa Munda’s mobilization left a lasting impact, prompting government reforms like the repeal of the Begar system and enactment of the Tenancy Act (1903).
The movement was violently suppressed, and Birsa Munda died in jail on June 9, 1900.

Significance:

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is significant in preserving the legacy of tribal resistance leaders and advocating for tribal rights.
It promotes a more inclusive society that values the contributions of all communities in India’s historical and cultural fabric.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?

(a) The Revolt of 1857

(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921

(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Canada

What is the Student Direct Stream visa?

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Effect Of Policies & Politics Of World On India’S Interests

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Student Direct Stream visa

Why in the News?

Canada has discontinued the Student Direct Stream (SDS), ending faster processing for students from specific countries, including India.

What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa?

The SDS is a fast-track visa processing program introduced by Canada in 2018 to expedite study permits for students from certain countries, including India.
Under SDS, applicants typically experienced processing times of around 20 days.
This stream was designed to simplify and speed up the application process for eligible students by requiring proof of financial stability (such as a Guaranteed Investment Certificate) and specific educational documentation.
The SDS applied to students from 14 countries, including: India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
Since its launch, SDS has been popular among Indian students, with a high approval rate for study permits in recent years.

Why was SDS discontinued?

Fair Access: Moving to a single, standardized process aims to provide equal opportunity for all applicants.
Strengthened Protection: Canada intends to address student vulnerability by improving safeguards in its regular process.

The changes are part of Canada’s broader immigration reforms, which also update financial requirements and study permit caps.

How does the discontinuation affect Indian Students?

Indian students will face:

Longer Processing Times: Visa approvals may now take longer under the standard process.
Additional Financial Proof: More financial documentation will be required.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes: New rules from November 1, 2024 may impact work options after graduation.

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Indian Army Updates

Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’
Why in the News?

The Indian Army is conducting a high-intensity tri-services exercise named Poorvi Prahar from November 10 to 18 in Arunachal Pradesh’s forward areas.

About Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’
- It is a joint effort of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to improve combat effectiveness for Integrated Joint Operations in challenging mountainous terrain.
- It features a broad range of advanced military platforms:
  - Aircraft and Helicopters: Includes fighter aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, Chinook helicopters, and the Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra).
  - Artillery: Deployment of M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
  - Capabilities: These assets provide high mobility, firepower, and precision suited to the region’s tough terrain.
- Significance:
  - It emphasizes the Indian Armed Forces’ readiness to conduct multi-domain operations across land, air, and sea, reinforcing India’s strategic deterrence capabilities in the region.
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Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

Article 6.4 of the Carbon Market

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Article 6.4, ITMOs

Article 6.4 of the Carbon Market

Why in the News?

At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the adoption of Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement has paved the way for global carbon trading under UN supervision.
- This new development allows UN member countries to trade carbon credits globally.

What is Article 6.4?

Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a global carbon market to facilitate carbon credit trading between countries.
- It is part of Article 6, which outlines mechanisms for international cooperation in achieving net-zero emissions.
Objective: Enable countries to offset their emissions by investing in emission reduction projects in other countries.

It establishes a global carbon market overseen by a UNFCCC Supervisory Body.
- This body would develop rules, monitors credit issuance, and ensures compliance with international standards.
It allows countries to generate and trade Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs), which represent reductions in CO₂ or equivalent greenhouse gases.
- Credits are earned from approved climate projects and can be traded globally.
Through subsections like Article 6.2, countries can use ITMOs (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes) to meet their NDCs, which are tradeable units representing emissions reductions.

Significance of Article 6.4

Cost-Effective Climate Action: By enabling global carbon markets, Article 6.4 could save an estimated $250 billion annually in implementing climate plans, providing a cost-efficient path to emission reductions.
Support for NDCs: The mechanism helps countries meet their NDC targets under the Paris Agreement, allowing more flexibility and incentivizing investments in green projects worldwide.
Economic Growth and Climate Mitigation: Carbon markets foster investments in clean energy, create jobs in climate-focused sectors, and link economic growth with climate action.
Encourages Sustainable Development: Article 6.4 incentivizes sustainable projects in developing countries, promoting green technology transfer and supporting local economies.

Types of Carbon Credit Projects under Article 6.4

Emission Reduction Projects

- Energy Efficiency Improvements: Reducing energy consumption (e.g., efficient lighting, better insulation).
- Renewable Energy: Replacing fossil fuels with solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.

Emission Removal Projects

- Reforestation and Afforestation: Increasing forest cover to absorb CO₂.
- Soil Carbon Sequestration: Storing carbon in soil through agricultural practices.

Carbon Storage Projects

- Geological Storage: Storing CO₂ in deep underground formations.
- Biochar Production: Locking carbon in biochar, enhancing soil fertility.

Technological Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

- Direct Air Capture: Capturing CO₂ from the air and storing it underground or using it industrially.
- Ocean-Based Solutions: Enhancing ocean CO₂ absorption, such as through algae cultivation.

Issues with Article 6.4

Carbon Offsetting Criticisms: Critics argue that offsetting doesn’t reduce global emissions but shifts responsibility, allowing countries to continue emitting while claiming neutrality.
Carbon Accounting Challenges: Unreliable carbon accounting can lead to “phantom credits,” where emissions reductions are overstated or inaccurately recorded, failing to match actual reductions.
Greenwashing Risks: Some countries and companies may use carbon credits as a form of greenwashing, claiming carbon neutrality while continuing to pollute.
Equity and Climate Justice Concerns: Developing nations, which contribute less to global emissions, are the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Potential for Reversal Risks: Projects that store carbon in natural reservoirs risk releasing it back into the atmosphere. Some standards allow projects to end monitoring if reversal risk is considered “negligible,” which remains undefined and problematic.

PYQ:

[2011] Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol.

(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.

(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.

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Indian Ocean Power Competition

Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD)

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD)

Why in the News?

India and the US are set to hold the first US-India Indian Ocean Dialogue on November 14 strengthening cooperation over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

About the Indian Ocean Dialogue:

The Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) was established during the 13th Council of Ministers’ meeting in November 2013 in Perth, Australia, and is a flagship initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
It functions as a Track 1.5 discussion, combining officials and non-officials for a more inclusive dialogue, with the latest (9th edition) held in May 2023 at Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Key areas discussed in 2024 Edition:
- Strengthening Maritime Security: Enhances coordination on maritime freedom and security, crucial for trade routes and energy supply.
- Economic and Environmental Cooperation: Supports trade, blue economy, and addresses climate change impacts on the region.

Significance in India-U.S. Relations

Indo-Pacific Partnership: Reinforces Quad cooperation and aligns both nations’ strategic interests.
Power Balance in the Region: Counters influence from other powers, fostering an open Indo-Pacific.
Defense and Technology Collaboration: Expands ties in emerging tech and defense, enhancing India’s security role.
Disaster Preparedness: Builds climate resilience and sustainable resource management efforts.

PYQ:

[2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About the Press Council of India (PCI):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Bose-Einstein Statistics

Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)

Significance of Bose-Einstein Statistics

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Current D-SIBs in India:

What are Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)?

Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs):

Benefits of D-SIB Classification

Why in the News?

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Why in the News?

About the Barak River:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Who was Birsa Munda?

Causes of the Rebellion:

Historical Background:

Significance:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa?

Why was SDS discontinued?

How does the discontinuation affect Indian Students?

Why in the News?

About Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’

Why in the News?

What is Article 6.4?

Significance of Article 6.4

Types of Carbon Credit Projects under Article 6.4

Issues with Article 6.4

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Indian Ocean Dialogue:

Significance in India-U.S. Relations

PYQ: